Four Smiles, One Legacy: Meet the Greeters Honored This Year

At Walt Disney World, the magic often begins before Guests go on their first ride or meet their favorite character. It often starts with a smile, a sticker or a warm “welcome home” from a Resort Themed Greeter. These Cast Members go above and beyond to make every interaction special – walking alongside Guests instead of simply pointing the way, offering personalized tips and heartfelt welcomes, and turning simple hellos and goodbyes into memories that last a lifetime. 

This year, four Themed Greeters were recognized with The Walt Disney Legacy Award, Disney Theme Parks Cast Members’ highest honor to those who dream, create and inspire every day. 

Name: Alan Conkey

Years at Walt Disney World: 6

Location: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Alan is the kind of Cast Member who makes history come alive. At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, he often leads the complimentary Wonders of the Lodge Art & Architecture Tour, sharing stories about the resort’s history and design with the same enthusiasm he once brought to his classroom as an educator.  

Having visited more than 85 countries and worked internationally, Alan often surprises families by recognizing their hometowns and sharing personal stories from his travels. “I’ve been there!”, he’ll say with a smile, before swapping stories that make strangers feel like old friends. 

“Those types of connections change the whole conversation,” says Alan. “Being a Themed Greeter is about inclusion. It’s making sure everyone feels like they’re part of the story here, whether they’re from down the road or halfway across the globe.” 

Name: Esther Jogiel

Years at Walt Disney World: 6

Location: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Esther is known for bringing warmth and playfulness to every welcome. One of her most memorable Guest interactions came when a mother confided that her daughter was struggling with potty training during their vacation. Esther offered the mom a bundle of stickers to use as rewards, turning it into a positive experience the family could celebrate together. When they returned home and ran out of stickers, Esther worked with her leaders to send a surprise letter from Mickey with more stickers tucked inside! 

That act of kindness sparked a lifelong affinity for Walt Disney World. The family became Disney Vacation Club Members and now, they return to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa year after year. “That’s the Disney difference,” Esther says. “Creating connections so special that families can’t imagine vacationing anywhere else.” 

Name: Milton Anderson

Years at Walt Disney World: 35

Location: Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

For Milton, greeting Guests at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort feels like coming home. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, the resort’s colors and music remind him of the island where he grew up. Even his costume sparks memories, reminding him of uniforms he saw growing up. “This is where I belong,” Milton says. 

Over his three decades at Walt Disney World Resort, Milton has become known for sharing treasures and creating special interactions that brighten kids’ days. The impact lasts far beyond check-out. One Guest, now grown and with children of his own, returned with a photo of Milton welcoming him as a boy. “He told me, ‘You made me want to keep coming back not only to Walt Disney World, but to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort,’” Milton recalls. “I teared up a little when he said that.” 

Milton says the joy of his role is simple: “We are the magic. When the kids are happy, the parents are happy. And when the parents are happy, I’m happy.” 

Name: Steven Syntelien

Years at Walt Disney World: 3

Location: Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Guests often say Steven reminds them of “everybody’s grandpa.” He’s the kind of Cast Member who makes families feel right at home from the moment they arrive. Known for his warmth and humor, Steven says his philosophy is simple: “Just be kind. Be caring. Treat people like you’d like to be treated. I call it ‘Minnesota nice.’”  

That spirit guides the thoughtful moments of magic he creates each day. By coordinating with the resort’s security gate, Steven knows what type of car a family is driving and their names before they arrive. Instead of a general hello, he can smile and say, “Welcome home, Matt and Margo!”, turning an ordinary check-in into an unforgettable memory. 

For Steven, those extra moments of care are the heart of Walt Disney World’s exceptional Guest service. “At the end of the day, the magic isn’t complicated.” 

Alan, Milton, Esther and Steven remind us that the role of a Themed Greeter is so much more than saying hello. Through their kindness, creativity and care, they’ve turned everyday moments into lifelong memories. And now, each one gets to pin a blue Legacy name tag onto their uniquely themed costume every morning. It’s a daily reminder of the joy and inspiration they’ve brought to Guests and fellow Cast Members.